Good post Joe. Perhaps we have different idea of what a 'Crustie' is. To me it is someone who doesn't need the Gospel preached, because they made a commitment 20-30 years ago, but it appears to made little difference when it comes to the fruit you would expect.

They do need encouragement I agree, but they also require long-suffering. Where I start to depart from your sentiments is where the emotional/spiritual/mental cost of putting up with some of them becomes a burden too heavy to bear. At that point I am more motivated to pour out myself on behalf of the unreached.

In my last 10 years as a military chaplain its the crusties who have made cynical remarks about "off to play soldiers are you?", and denigrated the role. They do the same when you may be away participating in other missional activities which from time to time mean you are not in the morning service.

I've officially thrown in the towel with them as of now. I'm not interested in the fight, I'm walking away. Pandering to their unreconstructed view of the world and church costs too much.